RESPOND

Residential Enhancement Services, Planning for New Directions

FamilyLinks, Inc. is a partner in the provision of residential treatment services for youth who are dually diagnosed with mental health and mental retardation needs. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is the lead agency, providing a mobile clinical team and contracting with FamilyLinks and Laurel Highland Foundation to provide a capacity of six residential beds for these youth who cross Allegheny County's systems of care. FamilyLinks provides two of the six residential beds. This program provides a structured, therapeutic living environment, safety planning, assessment, therapeutic activities, family services, and comprehensive service planning and delivery to youth who are referred from Allegheny County's Rapid Response Team. RESPOND is staff intensive, providing a minimum of two staff for each youth in care, with the exception of nighttime, at which a minimum of two staff are on duty for two youth. Our services adhere to the CASSP Principles, Principles of Self Determination, and comply with the PA Department of Public Welfare 3800 regulations, as well as all other regulatory statutes and contractual requirements. Program outcomes are consistent with federal outcome standards, including child safety, permanency, and well-being.

Go back to Youth & Family Development Department >